Name: Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-487566H26M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, divided; 4 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract, divided; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brownies are visually stunning and taste even better. The contrast between deep chocolate and lightly spiced pumpkin cheesecake creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. They’re easy to make from scratch or with a brownie mix, and the swirl design makes them look bakery-worthy without extra effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Salt
Cream cheese, softened
Canned pumpkin puree
Pumpkin pie spice
Ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together over a saucepan of simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
Whisk in granulated sugar and half of the brown sugar until combined. Add 3 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla; whisk until smooth.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined. Set aside 1/2 cup of the batter for swirling. Spread the remaining brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, remaining brown sugar, 1 egg, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla; mix until creamy.
Spread pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the center is just set. Cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Serves 12–16
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling)

Variations

Use a boxed brownie mix for the base to save time.
Add chocolate chips to the brownie layer for extra richness.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Use a gingerbread spice blend instead of pumpkin pie spice for a festive twist.
Make them gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm slightly in the microwave before eating.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they taste even better the next day after chilling.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?

Yes, just ensure it’s well-cooked, puréed, and has excess moisture removed.

How do I get clean slices?

Chill the brownies completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I skip the swirl?

Yes, simply layer the brownie batter and pumpkin cheesecake without swirling.

Are these brownies more fudgy or cakey?

They’re rich and fudgy with a creamy cheesecake layer.

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and less intense.

Can I make them without cream cheese?

You can replace the cheesecake layer with pumpkin pie filling, but the texture will change.

How do I keep the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Bake at the recommended temperature and avoid overbaking.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

Not recommended, as it already contains sugar and spices which can alter the balance.

Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes, wrap slices individually for easy grab-and-go desserts.

Conclusion

Pumpkin cheesecake brownies are the ultimate autumn indulgence, marrying the richness of chocolate with the spiced creaminess of pumpkin. Beautifully swirled and irresistibly flavorful, they’re a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.